So Long Stella, released in September 2013, is a polished and primed pop-rock endeavor that pulls from the band’s Midwestern roots and home states of Indiana and Kentucky, as well as a heavy dose of ’90s pop influence in that the album is laden with tight hooks and is almost too sweet and smooth to swallow. From the album’s opener, “Space & Splendor,” to the final cut, “Your Side,” plus the two additional tracks—acoustic versions of “Find Your Way” and Different Now”—The Decadence’s first full-length is sparkly, light, accessible and nonthreatening.

With Drew Mowell on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Matt Anderson on bass and Padraig Boyle on drums and percussion, The Decadence casts a well-produced and pretty yet vanilla haze over the listener with the sort of effect the Gin Blossoms were so skilled at producing. Lyrically, the listener can differentiate among the tracks through the songwriter’s storytelling, but instrumentally the record ran together and began to lose my attention midway through. I think that has less to do with The Decadence in particular but pop music in general, which so often sounds too “perfect” when recorded, depriving it of any animation. The Decadence’s hooks are pointy, the musicianship and songwriting is solid, but maybe a live performance might lend more life to their songs. So Long Stella picks up a bit with “Find Your Way,” a piano-driven track, and “It Ends Today,” both of which put some life into the album; otherwise, it’s a pretty, well-produced first effort that could just put you to sleep.

On May 3, The Decadence will play at The End in Nashville as part of the International Pop Overthrow festival. Find more on the band on Facebook and Reverbnation.